Why in news?
On 17 November 2025, a truck caught fire inside a tunnelling work site at the under‑construction Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, along with project staff, quickly evacuated workers, and no casualties were reported. The incident drew attention to the safety management of the project.
Background
The Kwar project is a 540 MW run‑of‑the‑river hydroelectric scheme on the Chenab River. It is being implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPL), a joint venture of NHPC Ltd and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation. The Union Cabinet approved the project in April 2022 with an estimated cost of around ₹4,526 crore. Construction is expected to take about 54 months.
Project details
- Design: The scheme includes a concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels and an underground powerhouse housing four 135 MW turbine‑generator units. As a run‑of‑the‑river project, it will harness the Chenab’s flow without creating a large reservoir.
- Generation: In a 90 % dependable year, the plant is expected to produce around 1,975.5 million units of electricity. It is part of India’s larger plan to develop hydropower potential in the Chenab basin.
- Economic and social benefits: The project is projected to create about 2,500 jobs during construction. The government has waived water‑usage charges for the first ten years and provided grants for infrastructure development in the region. Local communities are to receive free power as part of the agreement.
Fire incident and safety measures
- Incident summary: A dumper truck inside a headrace tunnel caught fire, producing thick smoke. Workers were engaged in tunnelling work in the Padyarna area when the fire broke out. Firefighters responded quickly and safely evacuated everyone. Senior officials, including the local MP and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, confirmed that rumours of casualties were unfounded.
- Safety protocols: The incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety guidelines at large construction sites. Regular safety drills, fire‑detection systems, emergency exits and proper maintenance of vehicles and machinery are critical to prevent accidents.
- Project oversight: Regulatory authorities may review safety practices at the Kwar project and other hydropower projects in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The Kwar Hydroelectric Project is a key component of India’s plan to harness the hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir. While the recent fire incident did not result in casualties, it underscores the need for vigilant safety management as India pursues ambitious infrastructure projects.
Source: Press Information Bureau · The Tribune